A recent Rakuten Insight survey explored the dining out habits of people across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The results offer insights into how often people eat out, where they go when they go, and with whom they share their meals. Let’s delve into the key findings.

Dining Out is a Way of Life

The survey reveals that a significant portion of APAC consumers enjoy meals outside the home regularly. Over half (54%) of respondents dine out at least several times a week, with 19% eating out daily and 35% several times a week. Taiwan leads the pack with 39% dining out daily, followed by Thailand (25%) and Hong Kong (24%). While Japan has the lowest percentage of daily dining out, China and Singapore also show a strong trend of frequent dining out, with 53%, respectively 46% eating out several times a week. 

These figures highlight the importance of the food service industry in the region and suggest a busy lifestyle where convenience is valued. However, when comparing this data to our 2022 survey, we see a slight decrease in the frequency of daily dining across most APAC markets (an average decrease of 1%), suggesting that consumers may be dining out less frequently every day, but still maintaining a habit of dining out several times a week.

Balancing Tradition and Modernity

Dining location preferences reflect a blend of traditional and modern influences. Street food remains immensely popular across the board, with 54% favouring it, particularly in Indonesia (77%) and Singapore (72%). This highlights the lasting appeal of affordable and authentic local flavours in these markets. At the same time, casual dining restaurants are also favoured, especially in Korea (85%), indicating a demand for more structured dining experiences. Fast-food chains enjoy popularity too, particularly in the Philippines (80%), with Malaysian consumers showing a strong inclination towards food courts (67%). This multifaceted preference shows that diners are looking for different experiences depending on their needs and budget.

Dinner Dominates, but Opportunities Exist

Dinner is overwhelmingly the most popular meal to eat out (72%), aligning with global trends of socializing and unwinding after work. Nonetheless, there are clear opportunities for businesses to tap into other mealtimes. Lunch remains significant, especially in China (70%), Hong Kong (73%), Japan (71%), and Singapore (70%), suggesting a strong demand for convenient midday meal options in these bustling urban centres. Furthermore, the presence of late-night dining (17%) suggests a demand for food options outside of traditional meal hours, especially in China (29%) and Thailand (23%). Additionally, India also shows a high percentage of people dining out for brunch (24%).

To Book or Not to Book?

The preference for not making reservations (58%) highlights the importance of spontaneity and convenience in the dining experience. However, a different approach can be seen in China and India, where making reservations is more common (both 45%). When reservations are made, many rely on phone calls (36%) and apps (26%), favouring direct communication and easy booking methods. Notably, in Indonesia, 40% of people opt to reserve a table in person. While making reservations remains relatively stable overall, there’s a clear shift in how reservations are made. Across APAC, there’s a decrease in calling restaurants to make a reservation, while the use of apps is increasing in some markets, highlighting the growing importance of digital convenience.

Dining as a Social Experience

Dining out is primarily a social activity, with family (66%) and friends (48%) being the most common dining partners. However, the notable percentage of people dining alone (20%), especially in Taiwan (32%) and Hong Kong (31%), suggests a growing market for solo diners who value convenience, speed, and a comfortable atmosphere. In Japan, dining with a romantic partner is more common (41%). This emphasizes the social aspect of dining out, with meals often serving as a way to connect with loved ones, network with colleagues, or simply enjoy some personal time.

Conclusion

The APAC dining landscape is vibrant and varied. By understanding these key trends – the high frequency of dining out, the regional preferences for street food versus casual dining, the predominance of dinner alongside lunchtime opportunities in certain areas, the need for convenient reservations, and the social nature of dining – businesses in the food service industry can better tailor their offerings to meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers across the region. In today’s data-rich environment, relying on insights like these is crucial. Food service businesses should embrace data-driven decision-making to optimize their operations, personalize the customer experience, and gain a competitive edge in the dynamic APAC market.

Related articles: Apps usage in Asia and the US, Dining out habits – 2022

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